Risk of being in a crash near an airport is twice the national average, analysis finds

If you’re heading abroad any time soon, a new report says your trip could be more costly than you’d imagine. 

That’s because business travellers and holidaymakers are statistically at greater risk of being involved in a collision than normal because they’re driving near major airports, it claims.

Analysis of accident records has found that collision risk on roads surrounding airports in England and Wales is twice the national average – and as such there are notable cost implications for drivers ‘at fault’ for causing crashes.

DfT records show the annual rate of injury-causing collisions stands at approximately 1.7 per 1,000 people nationally. However, around airports, this figure doubles

Angelica Solutions – an independent consultancy specialising in data-driven solutions for the insurance industry – analysed the Department for Transport’s latest road collision data, which reveals that the annual rate of injury-causing collisions stands at approximately 1.7 per 1,000 people nationally. 

However, this figure doubles in areas around major airports. 

Heathrow, the busiest airport of all in the UK, is identified as being particularly hazardous.

It has a rate of 4.2 injury-causing collisions per 1,000 people every year, making nearby residents 2.4 times more at risk than the national average. 

Stansted and Birmingham follow behind, with motorists likely to be 2.2 and 2.1 times more at risk respectively.

Heathrow, the busiest airport of all in the UK, is identified as being particularly hazardous

Heathrow has a rate of 4.2 injury-causing collisions per 1,000 people every year, making nearby residents 2.4 times more at risk than the national average

Those found to have caused a collision could be stung around £540 in a combination of excess costs and hike insurance premiums at renewal having been responsible for a crash

For drivers heading to these airports, the increased likelihood of collisions can lead to substantial cost implications.

Being identified as the ‘at-fault’ driver in such incidents may result in expenses of around £540 for fully-comprehensive policy holders, once factoring in excess payments and increased insurance premiums at renewal.

This is based on a £350 voluntary excess and a 30 per cent increase to the average premium, which currently stands at £622. 

Sarah Vaughan, director of Angelica Solutions, said: ‘This analysis underscores not only the greater road risks associated with airport proximity but also the financial repercussions for drivers. 

‘Motorists choosing to drive to the airport are therefore facing increased risks on the road compared to the typical journey. 

‘Aside from the trauma, stress and inconvenience of being involved in a road collision, if you are found to be the ‘at-fault’ driver it’s likely to cost you hundreds in excess payments and increased premium at your next renewal.’